A halal food store in Keighley was forced to close after environmental health inspectors found what they described as a “significant” active rodent infestation throughout the premises.
Ahmeds Food Store & Halal Meat, on Drewry Road, was handed a zero food hygiene rating following an inspection on August 4.
Inspectors reported evidence of rodents in the basement storage area, butchery and main retail shop.
Three Dead Mice Found
The inspection report said a large number of rodent droppings were found throughout the premises.
Three dead mice were also discovered on sticky pads beneath shelving in the basement.
Inspectors said food products had been gnawed by rodents.
In one case, rice had been pulled from its packaging and partially eaten.
The report warned that this posed a significant risk of food contamination.
Food Ordered To Be Disposed Of
Inspectors told the business to dispose of all food that had been gnawed or could potentially have been contaminated by rodent faeces or urine.
The report stated that contaminated food could not remain on the premises.
Flies Landing On Fresh Meat
A large number of flies were also found, particularly in the butchery area.
Inspectors said flies were seen landing on fresh meat being prepared, bags of meat, food preparation surfaces and equipment.
That included the bandsaw and knives used in the butchery.
The business was told it needed procedures in place to protect food from contamination caused by flies.
Raw Meat Stored Near Peppers
Inspectors also raised concerns about how food was being stored.
Boxes of mangoes described as ready-to-eat food were being kept inside the butchery area.
Peppers were also found inside a walk-in refrigerator in close proximity to raw meat carcasses.
Mouldy Potatoes Beside Meat Mincer
Mouldy potatoes were found in a box beside the raw meat mincer.
When the box was moved, inspectors said many small flies were found on and around the potatoes.
Raw Meat Waste Kept In Open Bin
The report identified a series of further structural and cleanliness problems.
Raw meat waste was being placed in an unlidded bin next to an open external door.
Inspectors said this was attracting large numbers of flies.
Other concerns included rodent droppings throughout the building, no hot water at a toilet washbasin, a leaking refrigeration unit and damaged flooring in the basement.
Bandsaw Used Without Guard
A bandsaw was also found being used without its safety guard fitted.
Inspectors described this as a “significant health and safety risk”.
An LPG gas canister was found inside the butchery area.
Poultry Was Being Blow-Torched
Staff told inspectors poultry was occasionally blow-torched on site.
The report ordered the business to stop the practice immediately and remove the LPG canister from the premises.
Business Agreed To Close
Because of the seriousness of the findings, the business agreed to close voluntarily while the issues were addressed.
The inspection report confirmed that the premises had signed a voluntary closure agreement.
Inspectors also warned that legal action could be considered in relation to the breaches.
